Flu Vaccine: Why Is It Necessary to Get Vaccinated Every Year?
‘Influenza’ is a common respiratory infection, but it should not be regarded as merely a “common cold,” as some people may develop a high fever, severe muscle aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, or complications such as pneumonia, particularly young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions.
One important way to reduce the risk of influenza is to receive the flu vaccine regularly every year. This is because influenza viruses can change strains, and the vaccine is adjusted each year to match the strains expected to circulate during that season. The World Health Organization regularly issues recommendations on the composition of seasonal influenza vaccines every year.
Why Must the Flu Vaccine Be Given Every Year?
There are 2 main reasons:
What Can the Flu Vaccine Help With?
The flu vaccine does not prevent infection 100%, but it helps reduce the risk of severe symptoms, lowers the likelihood of complications, and reduces the risk of hospitalization, especially among people who are more likely to become seriously ill than the general population.
In addition, vaccination helps reduce the likelihood of transmitting the virus to people close to you, such as young children, older adults, or family members with underlying medical conditions, particularly older adults.
If infected with influenza, older adults may experience worsening symptoms more easily than people in other age groups because immunity decreases with age, and they often have underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease. Therefore, receiving the flu vaccine regularly every year is another important way to reduce the risk of severe illness, lower the chance of complications, and help families take more careful care of older adults’ health.
Who Should Get the Flu Vaccine?
Groups that should prioritize flu vaccination include:
- Young children
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with underlying medical conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or kidney disease
- People with weakened immune systems
- People who are overweight or obese
- Healthcare personnel or people who frequently come into contact with large numbers of people
Summary
The flu vaccine should be received every year because influenza viruses can change strains, and immunity from the vaccine decreases over time. Vaccination is therefore an important way to protect your health by reducing the risk of severe illness and complications, as well as helping protect those close to you, especially people in high-risk groups.
Anyone who is unsure whether they should receive the flu vaccine can consult a doctor to assess whether vaccination is appropriate.
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to get the flu vaccine every year?
Q: When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?
Q: If I have already had influenza, do I still need to get vaccinated?
Q: Will I never get sick after receiving the flu vaccine?
Q: Do healthy adults need to get vaccinated?
